Red Cross Funds Stretched Thin After 100+ People Burned out of Their Homes in Past 72 Hours

Community Can Help by Texting, Clicking or Sponsoring

DFW, TEXAS, February 28, 2012 — It’s rare to get a rash of fires that displaces nearly 100 people in a three-day period, but here in the Metroplex, that’s exactly what’s happened over the past 72 hours.
Four major apartment fires, along with 12 single-family homes fires, one causing a critical injury, had the organization responding around the clock; and depleting resources at a rapid pace.

Now, the Red Cross is asking the community to help replenish their funds as they gear up for spring storm season. 

“We’re concerned about this barrage of home fires, coupled with the start of spring storm season,” said T.D. Smyers, regional chief executive officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region. “We’ve had so many fires and any day now, spring storms will be here and we have to be ready to respond to those too.” 

Smyers said the organization has distributed about three weeks worth of aid in a three day period, but with support from the community, those funds can be replaced quickly. 

Ways people can give include texting the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate $10; jumping on www.redcross.org to give a gift in any amount; or by sponsoring a “Piper the Puppy” at the $100 level. This Dallas-created stuffed animal brings comfort when he’s handed to a child at the curb of a house fire, while the financial donation ensures that the Red Cross is ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Home fires are the most common disaster responded to by the local Red Cross chapters. An average of five families in the Metroplex experience a house fire every day. The American Red Cross responds every time they’re called and assists with safe shelter, new shoes and clothing, groceries, seasonal items, bedding and more. Without the support of the American people, the American Red Cross would be unable to respond. 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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As the Holidays Arrive, North Texans Urged to Make Safety Plans Now

As the tangled lights and stockings find their way out of the attic, it can only mean one thing…the holidays are here! For some families though, their celebrations will turn to tragedy as the holidays also represent the busiest home fire season of the year. For the American Red Cross, the average number of daily house fires will double during the holiday season, going to as high as four per day.

Last year between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Eve, the American Red Cross Dallas Area Chapter responded to 134 house and apartment fires, helped 491 displaced people and spent more than $104,000 in the recovery efforts.

Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 1,300 people for injuries related to holiday lights and 6,200 people for injuries related to holiday decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, resulting in 40 deaths, 80 injuries and an average of more than $15 million in property loss and damage each year.

Below are suggestions on how to safeguard your family from fire over the holidays.

Candles

Candles are a nice addition to any holiday celebration; however festivities can be cut short if candles are used improperly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is the leading month for home candle fires, with twice the average number of incidents.

The NFPA and the Red Cross offer these candle safety tips:

• Secure candles in a sturdy holder on a flat surface that won't tip over.
• Make sure the holder is big enough to collect the dripping wax.
• Don't place candles in windows where blinds or curtains can close over them.
• Do not leave a burning candle unattended.
• If you experience a power outage, use flashlights and other battery-generated light sources.
• Do not carry a lit candle or use a lit candle to look for things in a closet or confined area.
• Place candles out of reach of children, and in a position where pets won't be able to knock them over.
• Do not use a candle for light when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern, as flame may ignite the vapors.
• KEEP ALL MATCHES AND LIGHTERS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Home Heating

On average, more than one-third of home fire deaths in the United States occur during the winter months. Heating equipment fires are the second leading cause of fire deaths in American homes and the biggest fire culprit December through January. Here are some specific fire prevention tips to keep in mind when heating your home.

• Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and people.
• Do not leave space heaters on when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep.
• Do not use gasoline or other substitute fuel in a kerosene heater because the wrong fuel could burn hotter than the design limits of the equipment and cause a serious fire.
• Store kerosene away from heat or open flame in a container approved by the local fire department.
• Have your chimney inspected by a professional before the start of the heating season and cleaned if necessary.
• Use a sturdy fireplace screen when burning fires.
• Burn only wood. Never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out the chimney and ignite your roof or a neighboring home.

Holiday Decorations and Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are directly responsible for around 14 fatalities every year.
Follow these safety tips while decorating your home for the holidays:

• If using a live Christmas tree, keep it watered daily.
• Never put a lit candle on a Christmas tree.
• Make sure your Christmas tree is far away from any source of ignition such as a space heater or candle.
• When putting holiday lights on the tree, follow the instructions recommended by UL Laboratories. Overloaded circuits are the cause of many home fires during the holiday season.

Kitchen Safety

Home fires often start in the kitchen. With more people in the home due to holiday parties and family gatherings, it is important to follow these precautions to avoid a holiday fire:

• Never leave the kitchen area while cooking.
• Keep plenty of oven mitts on hand.
• Have a working fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
• Keep children and pets away from the cooking areas. Falling pots and pans can burn children.

The early warning signal of a smoke detector can save lives. Be sure to install a battery-powered smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home. Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. The Red Cross recommends you replace batteries at least once a year. Make a fire escape plan for your family and have a family meeting place outside your home. For free information in English or Spanish, visit the Red Cross web site.

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This is True Inspiration!

Ever thought about just quitting your job and doing something to make the world a better place? Well, let this story be your guide!

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Are You Prepared?

September is National Preparedness Month. Are you prepared? There are three critical things you can do today. Make a plan of what you will do in an emergency, get an emergency kit, and be informed of your community resources.

Your emergency plan should start by including all the members of your household to discuss how to respond to emergencies that are most likely where you live. These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like a tornado or flood. Make sure each person knows how to contact each other, including an out-of-area emergency contact person, and knows where to meet if they can't go home. Additional emergency plans should be identified for the places you work or learn.

Your emergency preparedness kit should contain enough supplies for three days in case you need to evacuate. The American Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. Supplies should include water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents. The following video shows you how easy it is to build a kit.

Being informed involves identifying how you will get information, whether through local radio, TV or NOAAWeather stations or channels. Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, learn, work and play. Take proactive steps now because when a major disaster occurs, your community can change in an instant. Those around you may be hurt and emergency response is likely to be delayed. Completing training in first aid and CPR and knowing how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) is an important step in being ready.

The Dallas Area Chapter offers several First Aid with CPR/AED classes. These classes give individuals the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide basic care for injuries and sudden illnesses, including how to use an AED for victims of sudden cardiac arrest, until advanced medical personnel arrive. Register at redcrossdallas.org , by calling Cynthia Gonzalez at 214-678-4816 for monthly classes offered at the Dallas Area Chapter or by calling Andria Butler at 214-678-4320 to arrange on-site training for your company.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, let’s make a plan, make a kit and be informed.

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Hermine Reminds Us that Preparedness Is Crutial

Last week many North Texas residents could have taken a boat to work rather than a car. The tornadoes and flash flooding that struck Dallas and surrounding counties was what some called the wrath of Tropical Storm Hermine that brought inches of rain and strong winds to our cities.


Check out this video captured by a Red Cross Volunteer who was a first responder during last week’s storms in a neighborhood hit hard by a tornado. It’s a good reminder that our lives can change in an instant. We must be prepared and educated on how to avoid what could be a fatal disaster.

For more information on tornado preparedness, visit www.redcross.org and click on the Preparedness and Getting Trained tab. To make a donation to support those affected by the recent storms and others, text REDCROSS to 90999 and donate $10.

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Mean Hermine Drops Twisters Across Dallas

When tornadoes were dropping from the skies all over Dallas last week, I actually heard someone say "well, those are just small tornadoes so they don't really count". Tell that to the people in Seagoville who lost their homes, or to the businesses off of Mockingbird in Dallas who have no business left. Nope. There's no such thing as a small tornado. Anytime the clouds tilt over and drop to the ground, it's a big deal.

In the North Texas area, Tropical Storm Hermine claimed one life and is responsible for causing damage to nearly 250 homes. In this video, you'll see a small glimpse into the storms power as Red Cross Damage Assessment Teams survey the May Road Apartments in Seagoville.

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CBS11 to Profile Red Cross Volunteers Tonight!

Tonight at 5pm and 6pm, people we helped after Hurricane Katrina will be profiled on CBS11. Tune in to see Delores James who went from evacuee to FWISD school teacher and two of our favorite volunteers, Angie and Nelson Lanehart. Nelson was an evacuee who sheltered in McKinney. Angie was the shelter manager. Love bloomed and now they're married. Good stories!

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NEW! Red Cross Cargo Vest--Snap One Up Now!

Attention Red Cross Disaster Relief Workers:

The newly designed Red Cross Cargo Vest is now available for purchase from the Dallas Area Chapter! You will love the unique styling and the 14 pockets! It's perfect for your notepads, sunglasses, keys, BlackBerries, cell phones, sunscreen, well, you know, all the stuff we have to carry! Available in two fantastic shades: Tan (great for the hot summer months) and Black (great for the cooler months, or for indoor activities).

The price per vest is $49 and they are currently available in all sizes! Just click the link below to be taken to the order form, or call Bridget Smith at 214-678-4816. Be sure to have your chapter code handy!

Look great on your next assignment with the new Red Cross Cargo Vest!

Order your vest today!

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Simulated Drowning. Never Let it be a Reality.

Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death among America's children. Don't let this reality happen to you. Take the following tips to heart and have a safe and fun summer season!
4 LIFESAVING STEPS:

Step 1: Wear a Lifejacket: Never go out on a boat, river, stream or other body of water without a US Coast Guard approved lifejacket. Never! For young children, even in a backyard pool, a lifejacket should be used. “Floaties” or “Water Wings” are not good enough. Look for a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device which will be noted on the product tags.

Step 2: Watch your Children: Never take your eyes off of children in the water, even if it’s only for a minute. Unlike images from the movies or television, children don’t flail and yell for help when they’re in trouble. They fall in the pool and silently sink to the bottom. If your child is suddenly missing from your home, check the pool first.

Step 3: Know CPR: If your children are going to be around water, ensure that you know how to perform CPR in case of an emergency. If a relative or friend is watching your child, be sure they know CPR too.

Step 4: Know how to swim: Enroll your child in a Learn to Swim class today. Contact the city where your family lives and ask for a course schedule, or contact your local American Red Cross office for assistance. Infants to Adults can enroll in Learn to Swim classes.

On top of these 4 Tips, follow Blair's Best Advice to stay safe in and around the water!

For more information, go to www.redcrossdallas.org or contact the Red Cross office nearest you.

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Weekly Disaster Stats

With the recent earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and Turkey, it's easy to forget people are suffering in our own backyard from disasters. Here's a look at last week's disaster statistics:

13 incidents occurred in the DFW area and 49 individuals received assistance from the Red Cross. More than $7,350 in financial assistance has been pledged to help these families.

Don't forget to stop by your local Walgreens store and pick up your Weather Alert Radio. You never know when a disaster may strike, so be prepared!

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Take a Hike for your American Red Cross

The McKinney Office of the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter is participating again in the “Take a Hike for Your Community” fundraising event at McKinney’s Heard Natural Science Museum and Volunteer Center. On March 27, you and your friends or family can have a wonderful hiking experience that also benefits your community.

For every person who registers for the event and designates the Red Cross as their charity of choice, the Red Cross will get a percentage of the proceeds. Last year, which was the first year for the event, the Red Cross received almost $750. For information about the hike and to sign up today, visit http://www.heardmuseum.org/events/TakeaHikeforyourCommunity.asp

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Weekly Disaster Incident Update

Here are your weekly disaster incident statistics. With the recent weather we've been experiencing, house fires, and other disasters, aren't you glad the Red Cross is there to help out these people when they need it most?

• Last week, the Dallas Area Chapter responded to 13 disaster incidents, the same as the prior week.
• 56 individuals received assistance to recover from their losses.
• Approximately $9,076 in financial assistance has been committed to help those affected by the disasters.

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This is only a DRILL!

People always wonder what the Red Cross is doing while the sky is blue. Well, today is a good example of how we use blue skies to prepare for the dark clouds!

The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Volunteer Center and the North Texas Food Bank are starting a day long disaster drill at the Communities Foundation of North Texas. We are getting our disaster assignment now. It's going to be an F5 tornado through much of North Texas. The Red Cross should be good at this scenario. Remember? We made a movie about it earlier this year. www.redcrossdallas.org/f5.

We're about to begin. Who knows what the day will bring. Stay tuned to see if your neighborhood gets affected in this drill.

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2009 Chapter Award Nominations

It’s Time To Make Your Chapter Nominations! Nominations will be accepted through May 1, 2009. Awards will be presented at the Recognition Celebration in June.

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McKinney Apartment Fire Displaces Seven Families

As wilfires blazed through West Texas on Thursday, April 9, things appeared to be fairly quiet in Collin County. But, at approximately 11:30 pm, all that changed when the American Red Cross was notified of a multi-family fire in downtown McKinney.

When Red Cross volunteers got on the scene, they found families out on the curb, in need of immediate help. The Disaster Action Team volunteers assessed seven apartments for damage; one sustained fire damage while the other six apartments sustained smoke and water damage. It wasn't safe for the families to remain in the building so Red Cross workers helped all seven families find a place to stay. They also provided drinks and snacks to more than 30 individuals.

To learn more about how you can prepare for disaster, donate, or volunteer, visit the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter online today!

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"It's a Wrap" for F5, the Red Cross Movie

When SCOMPA (Soutwest Community of Motion Picture Artists) first approached the American Red Cross about making a movie late last year, I have to tell you honestly that we had no idea what we were in for! We don't know anything about the movie business, because, well, we're disaster responders! But we do know good quality when we see it and SCOMPA was definitely good quality.

Our first meeting was to determine the type of project the Red Cross needed in order to help the community understand why donations of time, money and blood are so important every day, not just when disasters happen.

We talked about videos and documentaries. We spoke about re-creations of actual events and testimonials. At one of these meetings, someone suggested that we make an actual movie. Brent Duncan, president of SCOMPA, was elated! Once the idea took hold, the wild ride began!

SCOMPA held casting calls for professional actors, coordinated more than 50 volunteer motion picture artists with skills in script writing, lighting, film photography, editing, producing and more. Together, their team began working on what later became known as "F5".

The Dallas Area Chapter building was transformed into a shelter, a disaster command center and even a hospital emergency room! Literally, hundreds of extras could be found waiting in our hallways for their scenes. Most were made-up to appear injured and bloody. Imagine the response from our CEO when she ventured into the building one Saturday to catch up on her work! She had to catch her breath first!

The film highlights the devastation caused by an F5 tornado otubreak across the Metroplex. Families are affected, communities are destroyed and the Red Cross is there to help. Through the actors, the real emotion of this catastrophic event is detailed with pinpoint accuracy.

The most amazing aspect of this partnership has been the relationship between our volunteers. SCOMPA, a volunteer-led organization themselves, understood the importance of volunteerism from the beginning. Because they donated 98% of this project, the American Red Cross will have a tool that we can use to recruit volunteers, inspire blood donors and encourage financial contributions.

We are excited for you to see the final cut of "F5"! SCOMPA is working through the post-production process now while we are looking for a facility to hold the Red carpet "premiere"! Stay tuned for the details!

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Red Cross Meets the Demand With Social Media Tools

The Dallas Red Cross chapter understands the current market demands of utilizing social media tools including Facebook, blogs, and YouTube. The Dallas chapter utilizes social media tools to build awareness about the chapter, local disaster events, aftermath, and recovery efforts.

Beyond spreading necessary messages, social media tools are not held to certain limitations like previous forms of communication. In a Channel 33 television interview, Anita Foster, Senior Communications Officer, mentioned that the additional capability for social media tools is that each is able to provide information in the event of disabled cell and LAN phone lines during disaster recovery.

The Dallas chapter will continue to meet dynamic market demands by providing a variety of information outlets designed to be both timely and convenient.

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From the Field: Jolean Rook, Dallas Volunteer

NORTH DAKOTA - My name is Jolean Rook and I am serving with the American Red Cross in Fargo, North Dakota!

Being from Dallas, and on my first national deployment in Health Services, I have been so impressed with the magnitude of Red Cross aid going on here.

It's day three of ten for me and I am LOVING it. Right now the river seems to have crested at around 43 feet and right now it has gone down to 39.1; flooding is 18 feet so you can imagine the horrible conditions. To make matters worse, today, my partner and I are waiting out a blizzard!!

Health Services is doing so much. Yesterday we opened a new shelter to house and aid "special needs" and elderly individuals. They were so gracious and impressed. Tonight I will be going to another shelter closer to the river. We are hoping the dikes hold but if anything breaches that shelter will be able to take in 1,000 more people.

Locals have been SHOCKED that I would come all the way from Dallas just to help them, and several have asked me to just sit and talk to them because the Texas accent "blows them away". LOL. A gentlemen even stopped me in Wal-Mart to shake my hand and thank me...the Red Cross jacket was his first clue I was here to help, the "foreign" accent was his second!!

Talk to y'all again soon!!
-Jolean

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Disaster Action Team (DAT) Responds to Fire

DALLAS, TEXAS - An American Red Cross DAT team responded to a multi-family fire this afternoon. When the volunteers arrived, they met two individuals who were displaced by the fire. The volunteers provided the clients drinks and snacks as they were very fortunate to have recovered their personal belongings, and they each had a place to stay.

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Disaster Action Team (DAT) Responds to Fire

RICHARDSON, TEXAS - An American Red Cross DAT team responded to a single-family fire this afternoon. When the volunteers arrived, they met a family of six who was displaced by the fire. The volunteers provided the clients with emergency, financial assistance for food, and they provided the family with drinks, snacks, and comfort kits (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc.).

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